Ridesharing and ride-hailing services are known popularly by the name “Uber,” as it is the largest cab service provider in the world. Uber is present in more than 70 countries and 10,000 cities across the world. It is the largest ride sharing company in the world and has gathered huge popularity, especially in the developing countries of the world. But recently, Uber was taken to court in the UK as 10,887 London cab drivers in London with a group action that is in millions of pounds. 

Let’s go ahead and learn more about the situation as Uber tries to overcome it. 

Uber’s Presence In London: Why London Cab Drivers Have Been Protesting?

London’s iconic black cab drivers have a long history of ruckus with Uber, the most popular ride-hailing app in the world. Protests first erupted in 2014, in which hundreds of drivers brought the taxi services in the city to a standstill. Their core grievances remain relevant today.

Cab drivers have always feared that Uber is taking away their livelihoods. Uber offers lower fares that attract customers who would have hailed a black cab. Usually, black cabs have held a prestige associated with stricter regulations and a more rigorous knowledge test for drivers. With Uber, there’s a concern that less-trained drivers are operating on the roads.

Secondly, safety is a major concern. London’s cab drivers have always argued that Transport for London (TfL), the city’s transit authority, enforces the regulations unevenly. They point to incidents of passenger assault by Uber drivers and a lack of regulations compared to the tough checks required for black cab licenses.

The tension has reduced somewhat in recent years. Uber has made several deals to allow black cabs onto their app and TfL has imposed stricter regulations on Uber’s operations. However, the main issues of economic strain and safety concerns continue  and the future of co-existence between black cabs and Uber in London remains uncertain, as 10,887 cab drivers in London took Uber to court this month in 2024 with a group action worth millions of pounds.

London Cab Drivers Sue Uber for £250 Million

A significant lawsuit against Uber, the largest ride-hailing company, has been filed by over 10,000 London cab drivers. Uber is accused of breaking London’s taxi booking laws and deceiving authorities in order to obtain a license in the £250 million lawsuit. 

This conflict is not new. Regarding Uber’s operations from 2012 to 2018, the lawsuit resurrects allegations that were initially made five years ago. Black taxi drivers claim that Uber violated private-hire vehicle regulations by allowing drivers to accept direct bookings from clients. Uber is accused of knowing this and purposefully misleading Transport for London (TfL) in order to obtain an advantage and snatch business away from black cabs.

Uber dismisses these claims as “unfounded” and disputes them. Uber’s tactics, according to the taxi drivers, who are represented by the Mishcon de Reya law firm, have caused them to lose money and face unfair competition. A 36-year-old driver named Garry White said the lawsuit is about “justice and fair compensation” for taxi drivers in London. He feels that Uber thinks it is above the law and that many drivers are suffering financially as a result.

If the lawsuit is successful, individual London cab drivers may receive payouts exceeding the £250 million that was initially claimed—more than £25,000 each. Uber now faces yet another legal challenge after a comparable case was settled in Australia earlier this year. The outcome of this case could have a big impact on Uber’s and black cabs’ futures in London as well as the taxi industry there.

To Summarise

The relationship between Uber and London black cab drivers has not been good since 2014, when they accused Uber of using unfair practices to gain customers. The issue is now finally taken to court as cab drivers have sued Uber for £250 million pounds for using unfair trade practices. If the cab drivers succeed in winning the legal battle, then they could win more than £25,000 each after the payout. 

To read more global news updates, click here. 

FAQs